Commuter FAQ

I’ve got some time between classes; where can I hang out?

The Lion’s Den in Latimer Student Center has gaming tables and is great place to watch your friends, and even professors, battle out a game of pool, table tennis, or foosball.

The third floor of Latimer has tons of seating and a hilltop view.

Mercer Hall’s main lobby on the second floor, next to Common Grounds coffee shop, is a convenient central location to meet someone for a quick chat or study session.

Where can I eat?

Bryan Dining Hall can’t be beat for convenience, variety, and affordability. There are a lot of options to choose from—hot entrees, salads, pizza, sandwiches, stir-fry… literally tons! Bryan’s dining hall is located in the Latimer Student Center and runs on a “continuous service” model. Monday through Friday the dining hall is open 7am – 7pm. This makes it an awesome place to hang out to play a card game, or grab some coffee while studying. Often the dining hall has specials such as smoothies or hot pretzels.

The Sub Zone across from the Lion’s Den has great fast food. Grab a sandwich, chips, and a drink on the go! They even accept Flex Dollars on your ID card! Their hours are 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays.

If you love your lattes, Common Grounds coffee shop in Mercer Lobby has delicious coffee and baked goods. Common Grounds accepts flex dollars on your ID card as well.

If you brought your lunch with you, the Study Lounge in the library is a secret hideaway spot. It has tables, couches, and even a microwave! It is located in LIB 113.

Can I get a meal plan as a commuter student?

You can put money on your ID card (we call that a Flex Account) through the Pioneer Office at any time. You can also pay their office with cash or check.

Also, you can add Flex Dollars to your ID card online here. The awesome thing about putting Flex Dollars on your ID card is that you get a 10% bonus!

You can use your ID card with flex dollars at Common Grounds, Sub Zone, or even to buy a meal for a guest or non-meal plan student.

As always, you can purchase meals at the door.

Where can I study?

Library. It’s not just for research! The Library is a great place to study, and the second floor is often a little quieter than the first floor. Also, the study lounge in Library 113 is relaxing, and has beautiful windows and comfortable couches.

Head outside. Reading out on the lawn (weather permitting, of course) can be a great way to get some fresh air, clear your mind, and still get some work done.

Check out empty classrooms. You don’t have to be in class to take advantage of a nice classroom: if a room is unoccupied, feel free to claim it as your own and get to work.

Utilize the campus computer labs in the Library. You don’t have to be using a computer to take advantage of the quiet atmosphere that most labs provide. Grab your work, your laptop, and an empty seat at a table and enjoy the lack of noise and distraction.

Camp out in the dining hall during off hours. When everyone is free for lunch, the dining hall may be totally chaotic. But between meals, it can be quiet and peaceful. Grab a snack and enjoy the large table space you wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

Peek into the Academic Support Center. While it is recommended that you make an appointment, it is a convenient study space before and after your Academic Support meeting.

Head to larger venues that aren’t in use. Rudd often isn’t in use all the time. Head inside for some quiet time in a place that can help free your mind from distraction. Reading Shakespeare in an empty theatre may be just what you need to get into your assignment!

How can I get involved on campus?

If you still have questions about getting involved, take a moment to talk to the Office of Student Life, located on the second floor of Latimer. They can be reached by calling 423.775.7209.

Another way to find out what’s happening on campus is by picking up a copy of The Bryan College Triangle, the student newspaper of Bryan College, which provides a forum for news, sports, opinion, and discussion. Triangle is online with an interactive news website in order to provide late-breaking news in a relevant and timely manner.

How can I find out what is happening on campus?

What about Chapel?

The Chapel program weaves together a variety of elements including musical worship, guest speakers, corporate prayer, film screenings, and conferences. Guests come from around the world and around the corner to join our community as we study and think, pray and worship together. Through these corporate gatherings, students are challenged to lives of real faith and integrity, humility and moral courage.

Yes, commuter students have the chapel requirement. However, there are a few exceptions for commuters. If you do not have class until noon on a given day of Chapel, you may be granted an exemption by the Dean of Students. You may also be granted an exemption if you have regularly scheduled work. If you think you will need an exemption from the Chapel Requirement, please see the Dean of Students.

For more info, please see the student handbook or call the Office of Student Life.

How will I know if classes are cancelled due to weather?

Bryan College utilizes a rapid alert and notification system to provide the campus community with immediate notice in the event of an emergency. Students, faculty, and staff are able to enter or update their own preference for contact information (cell phone or land line number or both) through their eStudent, eFaculty, or eStaff account. The emergency notification system is used only for emergency notification or weather alerts. Campus closings are posted on your eStudent and on the Bryan college homepage. School closings are also noted on the following TV channels: 3, 9, and 12.

Where can I park?

Bryan has two commuter lots. You can park in the parking lot located between Mercer Hall and the Rankin Center in any spot not marked “Staff.” Also, you can park in the upper and lower-level lots in front of Latimer Student Center. You can find a parking map here.

Am I permitted to have parking decals for more than one vehicle?

Yes! If you have more than one car, and will have only one car on campus at a time, we will be happy to give you more than one parking decal. You only have to pay for one!

If I lock my keys in my car or need to have my battery jumped, what can I do?

If you need a battery charge, we would love to help! Call the Maintenance Office at 423.775.7470.

Since you now may be doing a lot of driving, consider joining AAA. To join call 1.800.222.1134 and for service call 1.800.AAA.HELP.

If you don’t have roadside assistance, here are some local locksmith listings: Rick’s Lock and Key 423.775.6733 and Tracy’s Towing 423.775.1002.

Is there someplace on campus I can go to if I am feeling sick?

Yes. Bryan students can and should use the PolyClinic whenever they are feeling ill. The PolyClinic is located behind Mercer. For more information call 423.775.7150 or make an appointment here.

Where can I find more information?

The Student Handbook has information about just about everything you need! If you can’t find it there, feel free to come by the Office of Student Life in Latimer or call us at 423.775.7209.